62/ JULY 2012 THE RIDER


EcoLicious Equestrian Good For Your Horse Your Health and Your Planet


By Kelly Bowers


I asked Petra McGown from EcoLicious Equestrian about her new line of grooming products, when and how did it all start? “The idea came to me in sum- mer of 2009 and the biz launched that September. She explained, “Three of our family members are equines and one of them has a very sensitive skin. His skin would get so itchy and irritated after a bath with a regular shampoo, I wanted to cry. I have sensitive skin too and would often end up with rash on my hands, so I knew exactly how Durango felt. And that’s when it all started. First a thorough research of the ingredients found in avail- able grooming products didn’t make sense to me at all. The major- ity are packed with harsh ingredi- ents like synthetic fragrance, sodium laurel sul- phates, silicone and parabens. So why am I using products with some ingredients which are toxic to fish and wildlife, and others that are suspected carcinogens, on my horses? I thought, what’s going on here? This led me to search for a truly natural and effective grooming product line, which didn’t lead anywhere - and that’s why you are reading this now.” Wow, I said. To start your own company and create a whole new line of products is such a huge undertaking.


“Yes, lot’s of hard work, long nights, jug- gling two jobs...and fun fun fun! I mean who wouldn’t have fun doing what you love, she laughed.


Intrigued, I had to ask, “I understand what you don’t use and why. So what DO you put in your products then?”


fragrance that can be irritating, but with sweet orange essential oil used to be uplifting in aro- matherapy, and smells heavenly. The signature scent is appealing to horses and people but won’t attract bugs. We even make a 100% natural fly repellent.”


So, after substituting so many of the ingre- dients, how did it turn out? I asked.


“Our products deliver breath taking results and we have sample sizes so even the uncon- vinced can experience it for themselves. So, You don’t use toxic ingredients. What other ways do you try to conserve and protect the environment?


“We only use 100% natural, naturally derived and organic human grade ingredients, which we get locally whenever possible.” she replied. “We use gentle coconut derived surfac- tants as a cleaning agent in shampoo and coconut oil is amazing as a deep nourishing hair condi- tioner. Lavender was chosen for its healing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Silk is amazing for its moisturizing and softening prop- erties and mica mineral provides a delicate shim- mer as well as UV protection properties. Tea tree is widely known to contain antibacterial and anti- fungal properties. We use banana, avocado, other essential oils, and a variety of botanical extracts. Our products are scented, not with synthetic


EcoLicious is committed to reducing our carbon foot & hoof print. We reduce, re-use, re- cycle and re-purpose, in our office, our barns and our homes. We use 100% recycled & recyclable packaging and shipping boxes. Our stationery and office paper has 100% post-consumer waste content. We use local and organic ingredients wherever possible.


initiative, I added. It is so important for companies to take the


Yes, she agreed. And we want to share our blessings with others so EcoLicious Equestrian supports equine welfare


organizations with product donations. We also sponsor equestrian athletes and support the devel- opment of amateur equestrian sports. Summarizing, I said, Well, I think it’s fair to say that EcoLicious aims to be a healthy, creative, leading edge Canadian business, with a con- science even.


LIFEFORCE Ensures LongRun Horses are Strong and Healthy


Guelph, ON – LIFEFORCE, powered by Alltech, the official supplement of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and LongRun, a non- profit organization dedicated to the re-homing of off the track thoroughbreds have partnered to ensure adopted horses are receiving the highest quality supplements. LIFEFORCE will be avail- able at a special rate for any horses within the LongRun program. Several horses have already been started on LIFEFORCE at their foster farms, and are pleased with the product and support from LIFEFORCE.


is palatable mixed with concentrated feed and we are happy to report that our horses are thriving on the product.”


For more information on this program please contact Cindy Schickedanz at 519-546- 5042 or visit the LongRun website at www.lon- grunretirement.com


About Alltech


“These horses tend to go through a lot of changes from their environment and daily routine to their nutrition,” says Cindy Schickedanz Equine Sales representative with Alltech Canada, “LIFEFORCE will be a great product to help ease this transition stage giving each horse in the Lon- gRun program the best chance possible for a sec- ond career.” Cindy has offered to be a nutritional consultant available to answer any health and nutrition questions the LongRun group or their clients may have moving forward. Sheri Van Sickle, adoption coordinator for LongRun reports, “We at LongRun are grateful to have been the recipients of a product sponsorship from Alltech. Alltech’s LIFEFORCE is a natural product which promotes a healthy transition from the racetrack to second careers for our beloved thoroughbreds. Known for its therapeutic benefits, LIFE- FORCE promotes overall good health, both phys- ical and mental, in part by strengthening the horse’s hind gut system. The five LongRun foster horses we selected to receive the product range widely in age, health and behaviour and we have already witnessed the positive effects of incorpo- rating LIFEFORCE into their diets. LIFEFORCE


Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with more than 31 years’ experience in developing nat- ural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional pres- ence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia.


Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the 2014 World Equestrian Games. On August 24 - September 7, 2014 the world will be watching as riders and horses from nations across the world convene in Normandy, France for 15 days of world class competition. The 7th edition of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 will mark the 20th anniversary of the world champi- onships of equestrian sports.


Saddle Up with LIFEFORCE will run from May 1 to September 16, 2012. To be entered to win a Schleese Saddle valued at over $3,500, you must purchase either a 1.7 kg pouch to receive one ballot or purchase a 5 kg pail to receive three ballot entries. Get your ballots at participating LIFEFORCE dealers or at the Alltech tent on site at Caledon Equestrian Park all show season long. For further information, visit


www.alltech.com.


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